Speaking Tip: We Learn Best When We Laugh

"Shtick" is good!
It makes your audience relax and have fun, and it's been proven that we learn best when we laugh; our defenses are down and our endorphins are running wild. It may not be your style to be outrageous (like moi!), but audiences respond best to presentations with humor, interaction, fun and stimulation for all the senses. And they want content with clear messages that come with specific how-tos that can be readily implemented.
A speaker who sprinkles her speeches with stories will captivate and hold the audience's attention longer than those who just postulate theories.

And it Begins All Over Again...

I took off the whole month of August for a writing sabbatical - to work on my website revamp (wait til you see it!), and my book (it's coming soon...no, really!). So for the entire month of August I didn't do any traveling or speaking (well, just once!) or coaching, and you know what? I missed it!

I got a lot done but I'm back at it now; speaking, coaching, my Vistage meetings, Speakers School...wow! So I hit the ground running in September, and October is even more jam-packed. And I'm excited. Happy to be back out in the world with all my peeps!
Check out my calendar - see if you can come to one of my presentations. How fun would that be?

Michael Bay...I Can Help You

My heart goes out to Michael Bay.

If you haven't seen or heard about his meltdown when he was giving a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, check it out: 

Michael Bay leaves CES 2014 in Vegas

I was interviewed for Quartz Magazine for an article on the subject...check it out HERE

Public speaking isn't easy. And Michael Bay is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, a director, so he was counting on that teleprompter. As can happen, technology failed and he didn't know what the hell to do. So he walked off the stage.

It can happen to anyone. It's not that it happens that's the problem, it's not knowing what to do about it.

One of the topics I cover in my Speakers Schools is how to handle a situation like that; what to do if you forget what you were going to say, how to ad-lib, how to get the audience on your side, how to overcome your nerves...all the things that happen to us when we least expect it.

So, to Michael Bay, and anyone else who needs some help,

 REGISTER NOW for April 24-26, 2014.

Sorry, the February school is sold out but there's still time to register for the next school in April. 

You'll have to hurry, though...there are only TWO SPOTS AVAILABLE.

NOTE: If the April school fills up and we have enough interest we will add another Speakers School on July 24-26, 2014 (in addition to the three per year we already have), so please send us an email if you're interested.samantha@mikkiwilliams.com or mikki@mikkiwilliams.com.

Learn from a pro...one of the newest members inducted into the 

CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame:

Mikki Williams, CSP, CPAE.

 CPAE is a lifetime award for speaking excellence. 

Fewer than 1% of all professional speakers hold both designations.

 REGISTER HERE!  

Speakers School is for business people, executives, coaches, sales people, administrators, teachers, etc. It's for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable when presenting and to learn how to craft THE most impactful speech, whether it'a a one-on-one situation or in front of a crowd. Learn tips from one of the country's leading professional speakers. 

If your goal is to be a professional speaker, then Speakers School will get you started, and if you're already a pro it will help you go to the next level...fast.

Invest in Your Speaking Career | Speaker's School September 26-28

Speakers School is coming up on September 26-28, 2013.   REGISTER NOW!   Speakers School is for business people, executives, coaches, sales people, administrators, teachers, etc. It's for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable when presenting and to learn how to craft THE most impactful speech, whether it'a a one-on-one situation or in front of a crowd. Learn tips from one of the country's leading professional speakers.  If your goal is to be a professional speaker, then Speakers School will get you started, and if you're already a pro it will help you go to the next level...fast. A few of the MANY things you'll learn:  Insuring that your program is one people will want to hear   Turning your life experiences into a presentation   Engaging your audience   How to be "you-nique" and make money at it   Using humor in your message   How to get great reviews   How to book more presentations Mikki Williams, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) has been speaking professionally for over twenty-five years. She's ready to share her secrets and equip you with tools you need to be a relaxed and effective presenter.  REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT! EMAIL US NOW for more information on our NEW, CONVENIENT PAYMENT PLAN!
"Professional Speaking is both a science and a craft. Mikki has mastered both and has a unique ability to help support and develop others in their quest to do the same. I have been a professional speaker for several years. While my career has been met with relative success, I recently attended one of Mikki's Speaker School programs and it has brought my presentations to an entirely new level. Even though the program is offered in a group format, Mikki makes time for each student to get his/her specific questions answered and ensures each one takes with him/her exactly what s/he need when s/he need it. She does so masterfully and truly meets her students where they are. Hers is a program I will surely attend again in the future. It is rare to find a professional at her level who is so willing to share her experience with such candor and openness. She is a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend her Speaker School for both new and seasoned speakers alike."  Gustavo Grodnitzky  5-star Vistage Speaker And don't forget to check out  Now, there are three divisions - one is sure to suit your needs. CLICK HERE for more information.  Call or email if you have any questions: 312.664.8447  samantha@mikkiwilliams.com     www.mikkiwilliams.com

Risdall Marketing Group | Cient Testimonial

Speaking at Risdall Marketing Group in Minnesota

I recently had the chance to speak at Risdall Marketing Group, an independently owned agency in New Brighton, Minnesota. Here is a testimonial from one of their employees, Josh Dahmes.




I want to speak at your company! Learn more on my website - MikkiWilliams.com

Why You Should Come To Speakers School | Video

A few of the many reasons you should come to the next session of my Speaker's School in Chicago

Speakers School is coming up September 26-28. Anyone who gives presentations - sales people, CEOs, educators... can benefit. Here are a few of the many reasons you should attend and make an investment into your speaking career that will last a lifetime!

Get more details on my website or register now to reserve your spot, space is limited!

Rick Perry's Speaking Gaffe

Dear Rick Perry,

Come to my Speakers School (as my guest) and I'll teach you techniques that'll help you remember your speaking points.
xoxo,
Mikki

The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the political views of the author.

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT for Speakers School with Rick Perry!

Rick Perry Needs Speakers School with Mikki Williams, CSP

Right? Then he'd have had the tap-dancing skills to cover his gaffe. Yes, I teach tap-dancing too! So to speak.
Speakers School is for people at all levels; novices, wannabes, CEOs, professionals or anyone...who wants TO BE PRESIDENT!
I'm sure you read my blog, Rick Perry...the next Speakers School is in February. There's still plenty of time to hone those skills. SIGN UP NOW!

Speakers School's Almost in Session!

Why should you come to Speakers School with Mikki Williams, CSP in Chicago? Because you'll not only learn how to be a better speaker but you'll have a blast doing it! Two and a half fun-packed and informative days of presentation skills, video coaching, business tips and how-tos on getting bookings.
Twenty-five years ago no one believed I would ever make it because I was too outrageous, too different, not corporate enough. And yet, Hair I Am! I've spoken at The White House twice, I was the first speaker after apartheid to tour South Africa and speak at Mandela's home, I was featured on the front page of The Wall St. Journal...ya da ya da ya da.
Come to Speakers School and learn how to be a great speaker (outrageous-ness not required).

Biz Byte | What is your Customer Service Strategy

I get to do a lot of client appreciation programs for companies. I just completed two days of sales training for one of my favorite clients in Houston, Universal Weather and Aviation. I trained the sales force in the use of the DiSC profile to recognize and sell to the behavioral style of their customers. Then we worked on techniques from my Speakers School to give them the tools for the best presentations, one-on-one or to a group. We spent a day on video coaching and it turned out to be a great two day investment in their people. They all sent me THE most beautiful bouquet for my July 4th birthday with a card that read, “Thank you for an amazing experience.”

I digress...This company can be the “poster child” for great customer service as they invest in their people to be better at what they do to give their customers a great experience. When is the first or last time you did something like that for your good customers?

In my customer service program I use a lot of examples and stories (you all know, I'm a story teller) to illustrate examples of good and bad service, to inspire leaders to manage "moments of truth." For those of you who may not be familiar with the term "moments of truth" it was coined by Jan Carlson at the time he was CEO of SAS Airways. "It is a judgment...it can be in advertising, phone, face, cleanliness, service, billing...any time a customer comes in contact with some aspect of your business and uses that opportunity to judge the quality of service your business provides."
So, if you have a grouchy receptionist that could be my "moment of truth" when I come in contact by phone or in person that makes me now assume that everyone in your company has a bad attitude.
A service strategy is like a bath; no matter how well you do it this time you have to do it again and again, and frequently. Here is what your service strategy should look like;
1. It's a non-trivial statement of intent, not just a slogan.
2. It noticeably differentiates you from others, i.e. FedEx, Domino's, etc.
3. It has value in your clients' eyes (a bank open late, no questions on returns, etc.)
4. It's deliverable by your organization.

What is your service strategy?

To find out more about my presentations and other speaking services, visit MikkiWilliams.com!

SPEAKERS SCHOOL Coming Up

THE NEXT SPEAKERS SCHOOL IS ALMOST IN SESSION.

Join us on April 22-24, 2010. CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Speakers School is new and improved with a Learning Lab on day two. This is where you get to practice what you've learned, and receive immediate feedback from me and your fellow-attendees. It was a huge hit when it debuted in February.